CPI Investigator - Recovery Unit

WHY WORK FOR DFPS?

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, longevity pay, generous paid leave, access to the Wellness program, lifetime retirement annuity, Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

Brief Job Description:

***This posting is open to DFPS caseworkers only***

The position will conduct investigations primarily in areas experiencing high caseloads. Work will include investigations of new and/or delinquent or abandoned investigations and courtesy requests.

The position will also provide consultation and assistance to staff, law enforcement, and stakeholders regarding complex protective services cases and issues. The position could serve as a mentor and provide training to investigation staff. 

 Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Responds quickly in crisis situations involving children who may be in an abusive or neglectful situation. Sometimes these situations can be dangerous.

• Conducts forensic investigations of reports of abuse/neglect to children to determine if abuse or neglect occurred and conducts assessments to determine the current or future risk of harm to children.

• Observes children for signs of any harm and assess the signs to determine if they are the result of abuse or neglect. This could involve children with serious injuries and child fatalities.

• Interviews people in the case such as the parents, caregivers, person who reports the concern, family members, and others familiar with the family situation. This may include medical staff, teachers, law enforcement, etc.

• Assesses child safety and takes the necessary actions to protect the child as appropriate. This could include removing a child from their family.

• Talks frankly and objectively with families about matters they may consider personal and private, such as parenting decisions and actions, sexual abuse, income, money management, and personal relationships.

• Determines action to be taken to remove or to reduce an immediate threat to the safety of a child to include working with families to identify family members who can assist with keeping the child safe, testifying in court to seek emergency protective services, placing children in substitute care, referring family for immediate crisis intervention therapy or other community resources.

• Documents all relevant and appropriate information gathered during the investigation and completes all required forms accurately and in a timely manner.

• Gathers family and kinship information to support the child in a placement, should the child be placed in DFPS custody.

• Participates in a regular on-call rotation that requires response to situations of abuse/neglect after normal business hours including overnight and weekend.

• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with law enforcement officials, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and the community.

• Works under constant deadlines that require prioritizing tasks and the ability to work flexible hours.

• Maintains a balance of objectivity and empathy for families living in stressful and crisis situations.

• Attends and participates in training/meetings/staffings.

• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.

• Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity and competency among coworkers and all work-related contacts.

• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy. 

Knowledge Skills Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of child development

• Knowledge of family dynamics

• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.

• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

• Skill in problem solving techniques

• Ability to operate a personal computer.

• Ability to travel and attend child and family visits as well as other work related appointments and meetings after 5pm.

• Ability to be on call on a rotating basis and work irregular hours.

• Ability to work in an emotion-filled environment and which may require conducting home visits in isolated or high crime areas and may involve exposure to substandard and unsanitary living conditions. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

This position requires use of the applicant's personal motor vehicle to complete job functions.

Applicants for positions must have a reliable motor vehicle and acceptable driving record for the past five years, and a current, valid Texas driver's license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load. Applicants must provide proof of driving record, insurance and license. 

Initial Screening Criteria:

Must have a minimum of one year tenure in CPI.

Child Protective Services Specialist I: An accredited Bachelor's degree OR accredited Associate's degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience.

Examples of relevant work experience in social, human, or protective services include paid or volunteer work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at-risk populations.

Child Protective Services Specialist II: Employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist I for 9 months AND have received Child Protective Services Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Child Protective Services Specialist III: Employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist II for 9 months AND have received Advanced Child Protective Services Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Child Protective Services Specialist IV: Employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist III for 24 months AND have received Senior Advanced Child Protective Services Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. 

Additional Information:

The applicant selected for this position must be Alternative Response trained, willing to travel to rural counties, and willing to work CWOP.

This position may be filled at any level from a Child Protective Investigations Specialist I to a Child Protective Investigations Specialist IV. Factors such as education and experience may be considered when establishing the starting salary.

Applicants selected for this position are also eligible to receive a $416.66 monthly increase in addition to the base salary. Applicants hired into an investigative position will receive this increase the first of the month following 120 days of tenure. Once employed, the incumbent must remain in an investigative position to continue to receive the additional pay.

This position will be in a mobile unit which means the majority of the work will be conducted using mobile technology, such as a tablet, while away from the office. Being mobile requires working independently yet still being responsive to supervision and your assigned unit.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files. 

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.